Europol is set to be a technology hub and a shared private cloud under the EU programme
New EU proposals would give Europol an independent cloud and shared data space to fight cross-border crime.
The European Commission has proposed new comprehensive measures to strengthen Europol and Eurojust, aiming to give EU law enforcement agencies sharper tools to fight crime that it says is increasingly complex, international and digital.
The package includes two regulations strengthening the authority of Europol and Eurojust, the revision of the European Investigation Order, and changes to the Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions and bodies. The changes are designed to target criminal networks and hostile actors operating across borders, online and increasingly with AI.
Technology is at the heart of the proposed overhaul of Europol. The agency will build a secure, scalable and independent cloud infrastructure around the Police Shared Data Center, allowing investigators from different member states to work together on the same cases in real time. Automatic information sharing is intended to replace slow exchanges between national authorities.
Europol will also establish a center for technology and innovation, giving the EU its first comprehensive view on law enforcement capacity gaps and helping member states pool investment in joint research and development. Any tools from the hub will be distributed to national authorities through the same shared data space.
On the ground, Europol Support Offices staffed by former Europol employees will be introduced in member states, increasing access to the organization’s forensics and data analysis capabilities.
Eurojust receives its technological upgrade: the new information system will allow Eurojust and Europol flag cases and relevant information to both bodies, strengthening the link between judicial cooperation and law enforcement. Eurojust’s mandate is extended to emerging crime areas, including cybercrime, breaches of EU sanctions, and gender-based violence, with greater powers to open communications on its own initiative.
Separately, the Commission wants to revise the European Investigation Order, a common method of gathering evidence at borders in criminal cases, clarifying procedures and removing operational obstacles. The new European Remote Participation Order will allow suspects, suspects and victims to participate in criminal proceedings remotely from another member state.
“Criminals are highly skilled at exploiting the opportunities of the digital realm, effectively operating across borders without borders,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy yesterday in an announcement. “With today’s proposals, we are strengthening both Europol and Eurojust so that Europe can respond faster, including to fight online crime, share information more effectively, and bring criminals to justice more effectively.”
“Serious organized crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, digital and international,” said Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection. “Eurojust must be equipped to keep up with these emerging threats. This reform strengthens the Agency’s capacity to support national judicial authorities, coordinate complex investigations across borders and improve cooperation with partners across Europe and beyond. By modernizing Eurojust’s work, we strengthen the rule of law and ensure that justice can respond with the same speed as the spread of crime,”
The proposals now go to the European Parliament and member states for discussion.
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